A FARMER is hoping to buck the trend of the industry's failing fortunes with the help of new mechanical rodeo bull.

Andrew Spence, who hit the headlines 18 months ago when he was at the forefront of the fuel protests, will take his portable machine to pubs, agricultural shows and special events.

Mr Spence of Leadgate, Consett, said: "We have all been affected by foot-and-mouth disease. Our animals were not culled but such was the state of the industry that we did not have an income last year.

"The Government has been urging farmers to diversify. I saw one of these rodeo bulls in operation in Spain and was amazed by the queues of people waiting their turn and saw the potential."

Mr Spence managed to track down the manufacturer in Gatwick and, taking the proverbial bull by the horns, invested £15,000 in the machine. Its first appearance is at the Jolly Drover at Leadgate, at 5pm next Friday.